Don Finlay motion picture collection

Amateur documentary film showing St Helena Penal Colony in Moreton Bay, with narration describing history and features. 

Film footage of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.

Amateur documentary film relating to the history of the Battle of Ypres in Belgium during World War One. Includes footage of a visit to related historical sites and archival photographs and footage. Includes narration. 

Amateur documentary film (with narration) relating to ANZAC Day, including footage of ANZAC Day in Brisbane and a trip to Turkey including Gallipoli. Also includes World War One sites in Europe and historical footage.

Footage of a Warana Parade passing along Wickham Street in Fortitude Valley in 1979 with ambient audio.

Footage of a Military Jeep Club of Queensland social day at Moogerah Dam. Includes footage of an amphibious vehicle taking people for joy rides on the dam. Includes musical soundtrack.

Footage of a trip by boat up the Brisbane River starting from the Victoria Bridge. The footage shows passing river traffic, bridges, the Regatta Hotel, University of Queensland, Tennyson Power Station, Moggill Ferry and other riverside landmarks. The footage continues as the boat travels up the Bremer to Ipswich. This is followed by footage of a steam train trip to Grandchester Station, followed by footage of a display of historic trains and railway equipment.

This film has ambient audio. 

Narrated footage of celebrations around the Tivoli State School Centenary (1877-1977).  (Film-makers father was a student there).

Footage includes parades of marching bands, vintage cars, school teams marching down the main street, fancy dress and parade floats; reenactments of children in period dress being conveyed to school in a pony trap, pairs of bullock teams harnessed to vintage faming equipment.  Reminiscing by looking through old school admission registers, dressing in vintage clothes, arriving on horse back or in pony traps to school etc were included in the day's celebrations.

Scenes of families enjoying activities and food (a pig roasting on a spit) at the school grounds to mark the centenary of the school.

Film footage of various holidays around Australia. Includes footage of Brisbane and the Gold Coast (Lennon’s Hotel).

Footage of family Christmas celebrations for the years 1960, 1961 and 1962. The footage includes food preparation, Christmas dinner, unwrapping presents, Christmas tree, nativity scene, decorations etc. The film also includes footage of boating and fishing at Mooloolaba; neon lights in Brisbane city at night; Botanic Gardens.

Footage of a man with a koala, a snake and a man boxing with a kangaroo.

Includes a commercial cartoon "Look out for tiger".

Footage of a visit to the Gold Coast including porpoise pool, fish, seals, kangaroos and birds at Currumbin.

Marine pool, porpoises, birds at Currumbin, aquarium fish.

Footage of a flower garden in the yard of a suburban house and a family barbeque followed by an intertitle with the text ‘Section of Garden Billarook, 74 Carranya St’ (Camp Hill) and more garden footage. Footage of a picnic in a large park; a bird in a cage; children playing football; views of coastline around Noosa Heads inc. ‘Boiling Point’ and ‘Dolphin Point’; fishing; a mid-century beach house; playing lawn bowls at the East Brisbane Bowls Club; picking tomatoes; more flower gardens; views of a camping ground at Tweed Heads; Coolangatta and Greenmount and a Golden Fleece vintage car rally.

Footage of a woodchopping competition and other scenes at the Ekka; flowers in a public park – a sign reads ‘Brisbane City Council Bouganvillea Gardens’; mid-century houses; Scenes of the Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba and general Toowoomba scenery, the Royal Yacht arriving in Brisbane; a Chinese Restaurant; a sign reading ‘Christmas 1956, Billarook’ (Camp Hill) and a family barbeque in the yard; the Oasis Swimming Pool busy with simmers; a tennis match in front of a large crowd at Milton; Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary; an arrival at Eagle Farm Airport; an intertitle reading ‘Feeding pigeons in Centenary Park’ followed footage of the same; a country road and unidentified river; pelicans under the Victoria Bridge in Brisbane; a fountain on George Street; crops on a farm; a view of the University of Queensland from Highgate Hill; a dredge on the Brisbane River and traffic alongside the river.  

Footage of a small airport, helicopter, aerial views over south east Queensland, parachutes.

Title on film "Wheels of steel". Footage of train trips organised by the Steam Train Society around south east Queensland.

Includes footage of Brisbane, Pittsworth, Beaudesert (during the Beaudesert Centenary celebrations), Jimboomba and other locations. 

Footage of the Military Arms Collectors Guild conducting re-enactments at Bellevue Homestead at Coominya. Includes ambient audio.

Footage of the 'Southern Cross' oil rig being towed down the Brisbane River. The oil rig was manufactured at Evans Deakins on Brisbane River.

Footage of the 213 metre container ship 'Anro Asia' which grounded near Caloundra and the northern tip of Bribie island while entering Moreton Bay on 29 October 1981. The footage is cut with clippings and photographs.

Title on canister and film "Anro Asia".

Short film showing a grandmother looking through a photograph album. As she looks through it she sees footage of her grand-daughters.

Footage of buildings in Brisbane's CBD including monuments, trams, Victoria Bridge.  The film begins with a still stating:  "A jewel box film by Don Finlay".  The film is narrated and gives a summary of the origins, history and evolution of public buildings in Brisbane.

Includes some magazine pictures and illustrations of a book on Brisbane.

Footage showing refinery lights, indoor plants, garden, yard.

Footage of historical re-enactments with period clothing and horse drawn vehicles at a historic homestead.

Footage of Brisbane streets, trams, views from City Hall, parks, Brisbane River, ANZAC Square.

Film documenting a visit to Brisbane by a film-maker attending the Convention of the Federation of Australian Amateur Cine Societies. The film shows tourist highlights of Brisbane and includes intertitles throughout. The footage includes aerial views, Story Bridge, City Hall, views from City Hall, street views, trams, ANZAC Square and Newstead House.

Footage of a caravan holiday to Canberra, Bathurst and other interstate locations.

Footage of a caravan holiday to Victoria and New South Wales.

Footage of a holiday on the Gold Coast and a trip to Tangalooma on Moreton Island in 1957.

Includes footage of the beach; Brunswick Hotel at Brunswick Heads; a visit to a zoo; Santa's Gift Cabin; scenes of a big mullet catch on the beach, Lennon’s Hotel; beach scenes, a large catch of fish on the beach, the ‘Mirimar’ on the Brisbane River heading to Moreton Island; Tangalooma Whaling Station.

Footage of a caravan holiday mostly in New South Wales. Includes Wellington and Young.

Footage of a caravan holiday to Sydney.

Footage of a caravan holiday to South Australia and Victoria in 1960.

Footage of a trip to Seaworld on the Gold Coast. Title on film "Seaworld QACS June 1975".

Includes swimming pool, dolphin show, pirate ship, paddle steamer, light house, water skiing. 

[QACS Queensland Amateur Cine Society]

Footage of royal yacht 'Britannia' arriving in Brisbane. Includes views of ship from beach, views from from naval escort boat, flotilla of welcome boats. 

Footage related to the Mt Crobsy State School fete.

Includes views of the drive to Mt Crosby, views of the school buildings, attendees, classroom displays, houses, street views. 

Footage of a historical reenactment at Fort Lytton by the Arms Collectors' Guild. The re-enactment was for the program 'Hayden Sargeant's Brisbane'. Includes narration describing history.

Footage of a young boy exploring military installations at the War Museum, Southport.

Includes army vehicles, tanks, planes etc. 

Footage of men working at a control panel, Tennyson Power Plant, Myers Centre roller coaster, factory scenes with men working machinery and welding. Has a musical soundtrack.

Footage of drill squad carrying out historical re-enactments at Fort Lytton. Includes light-horse displays.

Film documenting a camping trip to Girraween by the Amateur Movie Makers club.

Includes footage of driving to Girraween, signs, the carpark, a picnic, bushwalking, swimming, night scenes, camping and Bald Rock. 

Footage of the opening of a riding/hiking trail at Gorman's Gap.

Includes hikers, horse sled, bullock cart and historical reenactments. Some ambient audio.

Footage birds nesting and baby birds, Jondaryan Woolshed, historical reenactments, traction engine, sheep shearing, horse and buggy. Some narration.

Title on film "By land and sea". Footage of a small plane at an airport, taking off, aerial views over Moreton Bay and Brisbane suburbs. Has a musical soundtrack.

Footage of ANZAC ceremonies and parades in Brisbane.

Footage of Moogerah Dam and surrounds including plaques, picnickers, dam wall and overflow, children playing and water skiing.

Miscellaneous footage including credits and title pages from a number of Don Finlay’s films. Other footage includes a steam train at Roma Street Station; Botanic Gardens; Parliament House, The Mansions and other CBD buildings; the Holy Triad Chinese Temple in Albion; beach scenes.

Film relating to the Aboriginal Dreamtime story of Marutchi. Includes nature scenes and still images cut together.

Title on film "Brisbane today". Footage of the Southern Cross oilrig being towed on Brisbane River; cycling and strolling in the Botanic Gardens; and Victoria Barracks.

Footage of a trip to Dreamworld. Title on film "Dreamworld: a world for everyone". Includes rides and attractions. Narration and music.

Footage of Currumbin Bird Sanctuary and making movies.

Compilation of spliced together film footage including sailing footage, beach scenes, sand dunes, picnics, playground, O'Reilly's, bushwalking, flora and fauna, Stinson plaque, bobcat at work, comedy skit in an employment office, Swanbank Power Station, Brisbane River scenes, steam train, drill squad, Girraween, Poole's Dam near Mapleton.

Footage of a family Christmas.

Footage of amateur printing press likely to be the workshop under the Finlay family house at Holland Park.

Footage of amateur printing press likely to be the workshop under the Finlay family house at Holland Park.

(no title)

Compilation of credits, includes "the End",  "Jewel Box" and 'produced by Judith …"

Footage of Steam Train Society trips and social days in and around south-east Queensland.

Amateur short comedy film about making a movie titled 'In The Can'. Filmed in a public park. Script & Actors by Bundaberg Movie Makers. Made at June 1980 Get Together.

Amateur short comedy film featuring scenes at Whites Hill.

Footage of a wedding.

Various competition films listed on film canister: Ansett Commercial; Finlay Uncut Film; Glenda Car Wash; Our Guest; Bargain Hunters; Battery Commercial.

Amateur short comedy film called 'The Handyman'.

A short film showing behind the scenes angles of the making of a amateur comedy film 'Hero And Villian'. The film was made by the Queensland Amateur Cine Society to demonstrate film-making.

Short film titled 'Wuthering Heights'.

Information on can: Sprig of Wattle; Finlay - Wilesmith; 18 fps main track. Notes: Short film taken in backyard of family home at Holland Park in the 1980s. We dug a trench in the back yard. Set to a WW1 British War poem.

Footage of a day spent shoot on Belmont Rifle Range.

Footage showing the re-stumping of a Brisbane house.

Three short amateur comedy films.

Amateur short comedy film titled 'Ask Dorothy Mix' about a 'Dear Dorothy' letter.

Amateur short comedy film titled 'Give A Man A Break' about a breakdown.

Footage of morning scenes including views of nature, flowers, trees, waterfalls and fountains.

Amateur short comedy film titled 'Purrfect Match' about a cat being sent in the post.

Amateur documentary film about beekeeping on the Sunshine Coast. Includes narration and music.

Amateur short comedy film titled 'The Great Outdoors' about a camping trip.

Footage of an arts and craft show.

Amateur short comedy film titled 'Incognito' about archery.

Amateur short film.

Amateur documentary about Brisbane powerhouses and electricity and power generation.

Amateur documentary about Brisbane powerhouses and electricity and power generation.

Footage of a band playing in a garage. Notes: Freedom's Way play 'I'll Never Say No'.

Amateur short comedy film titled 'Its Later Than You Think' about a dinner date. QACS entrant.

Footage of a Military Jeep Club event.

Information from notes: Investiture into Cubs. Information on label: ….Bunya Pool.

Black and white and colour footage of a beach, first day of school and Railway Museum at Redbank.

Information from notes: First family film Don Finlay produced, dates from 1968.

Footage of Girraween National Park. Information from notes: First social outing undertaken by Don Finlay with the Queensland Amateur Cine Society.

Footage of a holiday at the beach.

Information from notes: Once Upon a Wheel was a movie about Don Finlay's son saving up for a push bike; A Dogs Life about the Finlay family cocker spaniel.

Footage of family Christmas.

Footage of the Australian Movie Makers convention in 1986.

Footage of the Diamantina ship.

Footage of a shooting trip to Moonie.

Footage of family Christmas.

Footage shot around the Chandler sports complex.

Film reel titled 'Spot of Luck'.

Film reel titled 'The Next Best Thing to Having Feathers'.

Amateur short film shot around Petrie Terrace.

Film reel titled 'Tranquil Waters'.

Footage filmed around Coolum.

Footage of a cubs outing to Rocky Creek, Tamborine.

Footage of Brisbane by night.

Footage of Brisbane.

Footage of a windsurfer and preparations for windsufing.

Footage of a Social outing with Queensland Amateur Cine Society in 1983.

Footage taken in and around Fairytale Castle at Bli Bli, likely 1970s.

Footage of a rifle range at Coolum.

Footage of Southbank, Brisbane.

Footage of a social outing with the Historical Train Society to Swanbank.

Footage of Anzac Day in Brisbane.

Footage of Brisbane by night.

Footage of the Bellevue Hotel being demolished.

Footage of grass skiing at Samford Valley in the 1980s.

Footage of the Maroochy Aiport on the Sunshine Coast.

Footage of a Queensland Amateur Cine Society outing at the Pine Dam.

Footage showing a bullock team in action. Notes: Filmed somewhere around the Logan district.

Footage filmed in and around Brisbane Valley and Coominya Homestead.

Footage of a steam train trip with the historical railway group.

Steam Train number 1079 at Roma Street.

Notes: Ansett Airlines announced a competition to film their next commercial. Filmed and and around Brisbane airport, Eagle Farm and Brisbane.

Notes: Ansett Airlines announced a competition to film their next commercial. Filmed and and around Brisbane airport, Eagle Farm and Brisbane.

Notes: Footage of the Bellevue Hotel being knocked down by the Dean Brothers. My father was very passionate about this destruction and wanted to record it. He woke me at 1:00am telling me I had to come with him as I was missing history being destroyed.

Notes: Footage of the Bellevue Hotel being knocked down by the Dean Brothers. My father was very passionate about this destruction and wanted to record it. He woke me at 1:00am telling me I had to come with him as I was missing history being destroyed.

Promotional film made to publicise the Amateur Cine Society and activities.

Footage of Dreamworld.

Footage filmed around New Farm.

Footage of Holland Park School and the Warana Parade.

Footage of nature scenes.

Footage of a protest at Maroochydore.

Footage of a school fancy dress ball and sports day.

Notes: Footage of Lake Manchester. Fon Finlay's Grandfather worked on building the dam there as a young man so was always a popular picnic spot for us.

Footage of an event at Newstead House.

Footage of Sanctuary Cove.

Footage of a festival at New Farm Park including re-enactments.

Footage of a festival at New Farm Park including re-enactments.

Footage of Warana Parade, Brisbane

Notes: My father (Don Finlay) was a printer and worked from home. This appears to be a new printing machine arriving.

Footage taken at Dreamworld on a visit by Don Finlay and his grandchildren.

Promotional film for a carnival at Tower Mill, Sandgate centenary.

Footage of Coolum.

Family Christmas in 1986.

Footage of a 1979 Anzac Parade in Brisbane.

Footage of the Tramway Museum, Brisbane.

Footage of woodchopping and livestock at the Ekka.

Likely to be Brisbane Exhibition in 1967.

Footage of the Tulip Farm in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Footage of turtles and tulips.

Footage of the Ekka.

Footage of the opening of Captain Cook Bridge.

Footage of a Amateur Cine Society outing to Wolston Park.

Footage of shooting at Belmont Rifle Range.

Footage of Cubs.

Footage of re-enactments at a festival in New Farm Park.

Footage of an annual military event at Victoria Barracks, Brisbane.

Footage of a drill squad re-enactment at Newstead House.

Footage of a drill squad re-enactment at Wynnum.

Footage of ACG re-enactment activities.

Footage of drill squad activities.

Footage relating to the restoration of a 19th century cannon, now at Wynnum.

Footage of re-enactments at Newstead House.

Footage of Victoria Barracks.

Footage of Victoria Barracks.

Footage of Victoria Barracks.

Footage of the Warana parade in Brisbane, 1983.

Footage of military re-enactments at Redcliffe.

Footage relating to the opening of Gormans Gap trail, Toowoomba.

Footage of a holiday of mine in 1983 and drill squad activities.

Footage of re-enactement activities at the Warana parade.

From notes: Warana parade. Brisbane 1981.

Footage taken on Separation Day in Brisbane.

Film made of a Stefan TV advertisement that Don Finlay was involved in.

Footage of drill squad activities.

Footage of re-enactment activities at Fort Lytton National Park.